ITV closes in on MediaCity move

BROADCASTER ITV is on the verge of announcing its long-anticipated move out of its Quay Street-base and is set to join the BBC at mediacity.uk in Salford. The MEN understands that an `agreement in principle' has been reached between ITV chiefs and developers Peel Holdings .

BROADCASTER ITV is on the verge of announcing its long-anticipated move out of its Quay Street-base and is set to join the BBC at mediacity.uk in Salford.

The MEN understands that an `agreement in principle' has been reached between ITV chiefs and developers Peel Holdings .

Even though the contract has yet to be signed, an announcement is expected in the next few weeks, sources close to the deal said.

ITV currently occupies a small part of the giant Quay Street site which includes the former Granada Studios Tour attraction.

Last month, ITV confirmed to the MEN. that it was looking at cutting jobs as part of a new drive to reduce costs in the tough advertising market.

But the country's largest commercial broadcaster stressed its ongoing commitment to Manchester. Chief operating officer John Cresswell said: "We're disappointed not to have made an announcement yet, but we're getting close.

"I think we're in the last throes of negotiations with the various parties. I hope to be in Manchester and be talking to our staff there soon."

Mr Grade added: "We are committed to production in Manchester - it is home to Britain's most successful television series."

ITV - which employs 6,000 people with around 1,000 based in Manchester - announced that its annual profits slumped by 28 per cent to £91m last month.

The proposed move begs numerous questions - such as what will happen to the set of Coronation Street which is currently filmed in Quay Street and is the undisputed jewel in ITV's crown.

It is understood that Manchester city council has accepted that ITV will be leaving the city, and has had no contact with the broadcaster's property team for several months.

A spokesman for ITV said: "The situation has not changed in that we are continuing to examine the available options regarding ITV's Manchester base.

"We will announce our plans in due course once we have evaluated all the criteria."